Chuck Norris, a successful actor in martial arts, did not hesitate to give up everything for the sake of the woman he loved. While some people choose to relax and take a break-from the city, others feel obliged to help a sick loved one.
Norris’s story seems to reflect a combination of both. After learning about his wife’s health, he decided to quit Hollywood to become Gena’s primary caregiver.
“I gave up my film career to focus on Gena. I think this topic is that important”, were the words of Chuck Norris in an interview.
His many projects are what will be remembered about him. His experience in martial arts dates back at least to his time in the United States Air-Force, and he also spent time in South Korea. Walker and Texas Ranger are two of his most significant roles.
Gena O’Kelly, 23 years older than actor Chuck, was able to unify their lives in 1998 and have two children years later. Not to be forgotten, Chuck was already married for over 30 years and had two children from his previous relationship.
His wife was diagnosed in 2013 with rheumatoid. Doctors wanted to apply contrast color before they proceeded to three MRIs. Gena started to feel burning sensations in various parts of his body as the days passed.
“I was in the ER for five or six nights in a row and the symptoms were getting worse, the burning sensation kept spreading through my body, ” Gena said.
Chuck would spend five months in the hospital waiting for her. Her health was so bad that she couldn’t take care of herself.
There were many diagnoses. Some doctors believed it was cancer. Others thought it might be Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Gena began investigating on her own, not knowing what was going on. Everything pointed to gadolinium poisoning. This toxic substance was administered to Gena before his MRI.
He went to the hospital to inform his doctors of his findings and discuss his treatment options. They found the solution that would save his life in Reno, Nevada. She received a treatment using alternative medicine that allowed her to return to life, though slowly.
In an interview, the actor shared some of his experiences. “When we got there, she couldn’t swallow, so we had to give her baby food through her stomach.”
Gena and Chuck were like many married couples in this position. Despite facing many challenges, Chuck remained faithful to his vow to Gena to be in good health and sickness. The process was not easy.
